Heavy Metal Concentrations in Fish from River Tano in Ghana and the Health Risks Posed to Consumers.

Appreciable levels of trace metals have been reported in the Tano basin, but data on the corresponding levels in fish and the risk they pose to consumers are limited. The levels of 7 trace metals in 18 fish muscles were assessed between November 2016 and October 2017 using acid digestion and PerkinElmer (PinAACle 900T) Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Apart from Cu, all the metals studied were detected in all fish samples. The levels of Cr, As, and Hg were higher than the acceptable levels of fish muscles. Cr concentration ranged from 16.10 ± 0.2 mg/kg in to 57.9 ± 4.2 mg/kg in . The levels of As ranged from 1.01 ± 0.08 in to 3.00 ± 0.01 mg/kg in . Hg level was 0.58 ± 0.69 mg/kg in and 2.52 ± 0.70 mg/kg in . However, Pb, Zn, and Cd concentrations were below the Food and Agriculture Organization limits with low target hazard quotients in all fish samples, suggesting no possible noncarcinogenic risks to adult consumers. Possible noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were recorded for As, Hg, and Cr in all fish species. Strong associations were observed between Hg, As, Zn, and Cr and between Pb and Cd suggesting a possible common source. fish species was under stress in the river, but the remaining species were in good condition. Periodic monitoring of trace metal concentrations in fish and enforcement of the buffer zone policy are recommended.